There are so many ways to enjoy Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, but for me, one of the biggest highlights has been the pavilions of countries not often in the Japanese spotlight. Turkmenistan was one of them. Honestly, I never expected Turkmenistan to build such a grand pavilion in Japan—it really took me by surprise!
It looks like a white marble palace and radiates a unique atmosphere. Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and is one of the former Soviet republics—what’s often referred to as the “-stan” countries. Even among those, Turkmenistan has an air of mystery. That’s because it’s an authoritarian state. It ranks near the bottom in the Press Freedom Index, making it a country that’s hard to understand from the outside. And yet, here they are at the Expo! What made them decide to join?
Here’s the president of this authoritarian state himself—personally welcoming us! Looks like he’s enthusiastically embracing the Expo.
The first section introduces Turkmenistan through a promotional video. The visuals are quite beautiful. Content-wise, it didn’t offer much substance—just a message that Turkmenistan is a great country and worth visiting.
Ashgabat—the city with the most white marble in the world and known as the “White City.”
After that, you go up to the second floor, which features displays about Turkmenistan’s specialties and industries.
It’s like a miniature world—so charming.
Textiles from Turkmenistan are quite well-known. I really like this kind of stuff…
Apparently, they also have mineral resources.
It seems Japanese language education is also flourishing.
Some Turkmen products were also on display. The item on the left looked like a corn-based snack… and the oil on the right might be cottonseed oil.
A miniature model of a bus.
Then on the third floor, there was a café. I had looked it up in advance and really wanted to try the shypime here, but there was a line of about 30 people, so I gave up. Still, the space felt special. You can only reach the café by going all the way up to the third floor of the Turkmenistan Pavilion.
Though I didn’t use the café, I explored the rooftop. The view was quite nice. Despite the blazing sun, some people were enjoying tea under parasols—so resilient!
On the way back down to the first floor, the route passed through a souvenir and photo area.
Before I entered, I overheard a few people leaving the pavilion saying, “I’m not sure what that was, but it was nice and cool inside.” And honestly… I kind of get it. Rather than the content of the exhibits or the videos, what left an impression was the feeling of “a country we don’t really understand.” Looking at their industries and transportation, they don’t seem all that different from Uzbekistan. And yet, Turkmenistan still feels like a mysterious, unknowable place.
I want to visit someday. But getting a visa seems like a major hassle…
